High fluid pressure electrical connector



Dec. 2 1963 E. w. KUEHL ETAL 3,115,380

HIGH FLUID PRESSURE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed June 8, 1962 2Sheets-Sheet 1 da/E57 W ELIE/4L Rosa-"Aer ,D. EWING INVENTORS.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A NE INVENTORS M i W flrrae/vsys.

gi /v55? W KUEHL ROBERT D, E/w/va E. W. KUEHL ETAL HIGH FLUID PRESSUREELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Dec. 24, 1963 Filed June 8, 1962 United StatesPatent Ofllicc 3,l lSQdfl Patented Dec. 24, 1963 3,115,38ll lllllGli-llFLUHD PRESSURE ELECTRICAL C(DNNECTUR Ernest W. Kuehl, San Fernando, andRobert D. Ewing, La Crescenta, Califl, assignors to Cannon ElectricCompany, Los Angeles, Califl, a corporation of California Filed lune ll,1962, Ser. No. 291,028 23 Claims. (Cl. 339-417) This invention relatesto electrical apparatus, and more particularly it relates to anelectrical connector for use at extremely hi h environmental fluidpressures such as those which occur in extreme ocean depths.

The relatively recently accelerated interest in exploring the oceandepths has produced a number of problems, one of which is to providepractical electrical connectors which may be submerged to the extremedepths and withstand the extreme pressures and conditions which occurthere.

It is thus an object of this invention to provide an electricalconnector having a pair of interengsgeable connector members with matingcontact terminals, one of the members having a fluid-filled chamberwithin which the terminals mate to complete an electrical circuit, thefluidfilled chamber being sealed to the outside when the memhere areengaged so that the fluid immediately surroundin g the terminals is bothphysically and electrically isolated from fluid external to the chamber,the chamber having movable wall means, such as a flexible diaphragm,bellows or the like, which is accessible to surrounding external fluidpressures so that when and as the external fluid pressure exceeds theinternal fluid pressure, to provide a pressure differential, theexternal fluid pressure bearing on the diaphragm or other movable wallmeans will result in increasing the internal fluid pressure so that theinternal and external pressures will be brought to substantiallyinstantaneous and continuous equilibrium.

Another obiect of this invention is to provide an electrical connectorhaving the aforesaid characteristics wherein a portion of the wall ofthe fluid chamber is fabricated of a non-wetting type of material whichis constructed so as to admit fluid therein and which is positivelywiped by a portion of the opposing connector member when matingengagement of the two connector members occurs to effect isolation ofthe internal fluid from the external fluid.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide an electricalconnector of the aforementioned character wherein the connector memberembodying the flexible diaphragm or the like also includes a stabilizingspacer for the diaphragm or the like to prevent unacceptable deformingor collapse thereof when performing mating engagement of the connectormembers, and during use of the electrical connector.

Another specific object of this invention is to provide an electricalconnector of the aforementioned character wherein construction of theconnector is such that a voidless condition is maintained in a sealedregion of contact mating for achieving the aforesaid pressureequilibrium, so that the ordinary methods of scaling for extremely highpressure differentials are eliminated, and the life of the connector isextended due to the absence of pressure seals.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear during thecourse of the following part of this specification wherein the detailsof construction and mode of operation of a preferred embodiment aredescribed with reference to tie accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing a plug assembly and a receptacleassembly in coupling engagement, parts being broken away to discloseinterior details.

PBS. 2 is an enlarged sectional view, partially in elevation,illustrating the structure of the plug assembly.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, sectional view, partially in elevation,illustrating the structure of the receptacle as sembly.

HQ. 4 is an enlarged sectional view, partially in elevation,illustrating the coupling engagement of the plug assembly with thereceptacle assembly.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 5-5 of PEG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 4, there is to be seen a receptacleassembly to which is coupled to a plug assembly 12 to produce anelectrical connector 14. Disposed in the receptacle assembly is a pincontact terminal to which is mate-able with a socket contact terminal 13mounted in the plug assembly.

Preliminary to coupling the assemblies together, the plug assembly 12 isfilled with a fluid, preferably Water, to completely fill or flood theavailable interior. The preferred manner of filling or flooding the plugassembly is to submerge it in water and while submerged couplingengagement of the assemblies is achieved with the mated contactterminals being immersed in the water the water being rendered captivewithin the plug assembly.

A flexible socket insulating diaphragm 2i disposed within plug assembly12 contributes to rendering the water captive therein. The plug assembly12 includes a barrel 22 which has a plurality of ports or openings 24therein which expose diaphragm 20 to external environmental conditionsso that when the assembled electrical connector is submerged in theocean depths the diaphragm 2% is exposed to the extreme external waterpressures which occur, and which are generally greater than the internalpressure occurring within the electrical connector.

Since the diaphragm 2b is exposed to the external pressures a constantpressure equilibrium or pressure balance is achieved as the electricalconnector is submerged in the ocean depths and withdrawn therefrom.

The construction of the plug assembly 12 and receptacle assembly lilleliminates the need for sealing against extremely high pressuredifferentials to thus increase the life and provide greater reliabilityfor the electrical connector 14.

The details of construction of the foregoing enumerated components andthe mode of operation of the electrical connector will hereinafter bedescribed in more extensive detail.

Barrel 22 of plug assembly 12 has a forward end 26 and an externallythreaded rear end 23, and the aforementioned ports 24 are locatedintermediate the ends of the barrel, see FIG. 2. Frictionally seated andfirmly clamped within barrel 22 is socket insulating diaphragm 2%) whichhas a shape resembling that of a cylindrical cup with a relativelythick-walled bottom 36 and a relatively thin-walled skirt 32 which isexposed to the external environment by ports 24.

Bottom 3% has a forward surface 34- which is flush with the forward edgeof barrel Z2, and the peripheral edge of bottom St}; is in firmfrictional engagement with the adjacent internal surface of barrel 22,to achieve the aforementioned frictional seating of the diaphragm in thebarrel.

Centrally located in bottom 3t} is an axially extending cylindrical boreWhen plug assembly 12. is immersed for flooding or when it is filledwith water it is through this bore the water passes to the interior ofplug assembly i2.

Extending rearwardly from rear surface 38 of bottom 3% is skirt 32 whichis spaced from the internal surface atlases 3 of barrel 22 so as toprovide a void 40 which substantially surrounds the skirt and which isfilled with the water passing through ports 2- when the electricalconnector 14 is submerged for use in the ocean depths.

The rear end of skirt 32 includes a radially outwardly extending annularflange 42 and extending rearwardly from flange 42 is a cylindrical lipFlange 42 is seated against a rearwardly facing shoulder 46 on barrel22, and forcibly bearing against flange 42 is an annular flange 48 whichis integral with the rear end of a forwardly extending cylindricalspacer 59, which will hereinafter be described in greater detail.

Lip 4-4 is partially disposed between the peripheral edge of flange 4-8and the adjacent surface of barrel 22; also a portion of lip 44 isdisposed between the adjacent surface of barrel 22 and an elastomergrommet 52 which is in frictional engagement with the adjacent surfaceof barrel 22.

The foregoing structural arrangement and position of flange 48 of spacert) with respect to diaphragm 20, and grommet 52 results in centrally andaxially positioning the spacer within plug assembly 12.

Bearing against the rear surface 54 of grommet 52 is a disc bearingwasher 56 which is integral with a sleeve 53 that is a component of anelectrical conductor cable 68. Circumscribing sleeve 53 is a splitbearing washer 62 having a tapered profile, and integral with bearingmember 62 is annular flange 64. Annular flange is made to seat againstthe rear edge of barrel 22 with washer 62 seated against bearing washer5'6 by an end bell 66 which is threaded onto the rear end of barrel 22.

When the take-up torque is applied to end bell as, grommet 52 iscompressed between annular flange of spacer and bearing washer 5+5, andin this way positive frictional seating of grommet 52 within the barrelis achieved and a voidless condition is produced. Also in this way theaforementioned clamping of socket insulating diaphragm 219 isaccomplished. Lip 44 is clamped between the internal surface of barrel22 and the peripheral edge of flange as well as grommet 52, and flanged2 of diaphragm it; is clamped between flange 48 of spacer andrearwardly facing shoulder 46.

The aforementioned tapered profile of split bearing washer s2 reducesthe possibility of snagging the electrical connector on obstructions onthe ocean floor. This taper can be increased as shown by the dottedlines which appear in FIGS. 2 and 4.

It is preferred that the socket insulating diaphragm 2t be fabricated ofTeflon which is an electrical insulating material that is flexible,substantially chemically inert and exhibits the property of non-wetting,although it is to be understood that other materials having generallysimilar characteristics may be employed.

In addition to the other functions of grommet d2 heretofore recited,grommet 52 also provides an electrical barrier between electricalconductor cable 69 and barrel 22..

Spacer 5th has the dual purpose of providing structural support for thesocket insulating diaphragm Z9 and for stabilizing and centrally oraxially locating socket contact terminal 18 in plug assembly 12. Spacer51B is preferably composed of a substantially rigid electricalinsulating material. An example of a suitable material, to which thepresent invention is not necessarily limited, is a fiberglass filledepoxy resin.

The annular flange 48 at the rear end of the spacer it is in firmseating engagement against grommet 52, and the forward end 63 of thespacer firmly seats against rear surface 38 of bottom 30 of diaphragm 2Gto provide the aforementioned structural support for diaphragm 20.

Seated in a recess 72 in spacer 50 and firmly bearing against grommet 52is a flange 7tl which is on the rear end of socket contact terminal 18.Spaced rearwardly from the forward end 63 of spacer 5t) and integraltherewith is a perforated transverse web 74 which has an axial lcentrally located counterbore 76 therein in which is supported the fortard open end of socket contact terminal 18.

The combination of the flange 73 being seated in recess 72 and of theforward end of socket contact terminal being supported in counterbore 76provides for stabilizing and centrally positioning the socket contactterminal 15% in plug assembly 12.

Circulation of water throughout the available interior of socketinsulating diaphragm 21) is provided by openings 77 in web 74 and aplurality of slots 79 in the wall of spacer 5i Projecting rearwardlyfrom flange '70 of socket contact terminal 18 is a solder well 78 whichextends into an axial bore 81} located in grommet 52. Projectingforwardly from washer bearing 56 is a stub end 552 of electricalconductor cable 6b which extends into counterbore 84 disposed in grommet52. The stub end 82 is stripped of insulation to provide bare wire whichextends and is fastened or soldered into solder well 73.

Flange 71) of socket contact terminal 13 provides a suflicient bearingarea to resist the tensile loads imposed by conductor cable 60.

When coupling engagement of plug assembly 12 and receptacle assembly 19is initiated while the assemblies are immersed in water, the pin contactterminal 16 passes through bore 36 and enters cavity 17. To insuremating engagement of pin contact terminal 16 with socket c0ntactterminal 13, even though pin contact terminal 16 may be bent or out ofalignment, web 74 of spacer St) has a contact entry hole 85 thereinwhich is in alignment with counterbore 76, and the contact entry holeincorporates a relatively large, forwardly facing lead-in chamfer whichguides pin contact terminal 16 into mating engagement with socketcontact terminal 18.

While mating engagement of the contact terminals is being achieved, aforwardly extending, externally threaded skirt portion $7 of receptacleshell 88 is encircling plug barrel 2.2, To assure proper aligning ofreceptacle shell 83 with plug barrel 22, the forward end 26 of barrel 22has on the exterior surface thereof a plurality of equally spacedpolarizing pins 98 which align with corresponding elongated polarizingor keyway slots 92 formed on the interior surface of skirt portion 87.

Partitioning skirt portion 87 from externally threaded rear skirtportion 93 of shell 88 is a radially inwardly extending annular flangeor partition 98 which has an axial bore 99 extending therethrough. Infirm engagement with the rear face 1% of partition 93 is a circular discportion 1632 of a pin contact insulator 1M, and integral with disc 1%and projecting forwardly therefrom through bore 99 is a tapered plug 1%.Pin contact insulator 1% has an axial bore 1% therethrough and extendingthrough bore N8 is pin contact terminal 16. Therefore, it may be seenthat pin contact terminal 16 extends forwardly from partition 98, andthus skirt portion 37 of shell 88 provides a protective shield for asubstantial portion of pin contact terminal 16.

When pin contact terminal 16 is brought into mating en agement withsocket contact terminal 18 in the aforementioned m-anner, tapered plug1% is caused to enter cylindrical bore 36, and because pin contactinsulator Iii-i is fabricated of a flexible, non-wetting material likesocket insulating diaphragm 20, preferably Teflon, and the plug lilo:tapers to a larger diameter than bore 36, a positive, pressurizedwiping action of the bore is achieved with the plug wiping the surfaceof the bore free of water and displacing the Water in bore 36.

The water immediately surrounding contacts 16 and 18 in cavities 17 and1? will thus be physically and electrically isolated from thesurrounding environment. The water displaced by plug we will deflect ordistend the relatively thin-walled skirt of the socket insulatingdiaphragm 24) causing an initial low order pressurization of theinternally contained water.

The structure disposed in rear skirt portion 93 of receptacle shell 3%is substantially identical to the structure located in the rear end ofplug barrel 22, performing substantially the same function and producingsubstantially the same results.

The rear end of pin contact terminal to has a relatively large flangelit thereon which seats in a relatively large counterbore 112 in disc1%. Firmly bearing against flange 110 and disc 10?. is an elastomergrommet 113 which is substantially identical to grommet 52, andprojecting into axial bore 114 of grommet H3 is a solder well 116 whichis integral with flange 11h.

In full contacting engagement with rear face 118 of grommet 113 is abearing plate 12% which is integral with a sleeve 122 comprising acomponent of electrical conductor cable 124. Projecting forwardly frombearing plate 120 is a stub end 126 of cable 124 which extends into anaxial counterbore 126 in grommet 113. A portion of the insulation of thestub end is stripped therefrom to expose bare wire which is fastened toor otherwise soldered in the soldering well 116.

Bearing against bearing plate 12% and circumscribing sleeve 122 is asplit bearing plate 13% which is similar to split bearing plate 62 andperforms the same function. Bearing plate 130 is held in position by anend bell 132 which is threaded onto rear skint portion 93.

Like split beaning plate 62, split bearing plate 13h has a taper whichreduces the possibility of snagging the electrical connector 14 onobstructions on the ocean floor,

and like split bearing plate 62, the taper of split bearing plate 13)may be increased as indicated by the dotted lines which appear in FIGS.3 and 4.

Take-up torque applied to end bell E32 will compress grommet 113 toproduce the same results as are achieved when take-up torque is appliedto end hell or; to compress grommet 52.

When receptacle assembly 10 is in full engagement with plug assembly 12coupling together of the assemblies is achieved by a coupling nut 134which encircles plug barrel 22 and which threadab'ly engages skirtportion 87 of shell 88. The threads of skirt portion 87 and coupling nut134% are matching double lead stub threads which contribute to a quickcoupling operation.

Forward removal of coupling nut 134 from plug barrel 22 is prevented byan annular rib 136 which is integral with plug barrel 22 and engage-ableby an inwardly extending annular flange 138 on coupling nut 134.Rearward removal of coupling nut 134 from plug barrel 22. is preventedby a thrust washer 146} which seats in a groove in the outside of barrel22. contributes to the disengagement of plug assembly 12 from receptacleassembly 10.

Immediately forward of annular flange or partition 98 of receptacleshell 38 are a plurality of radial posts or openings 142 which are incommunication with a chamher or void 144 which is disposed between theforward end 26 of plug barrel 22 and partition 98. In this way thebottom 36 of socket insulating diaphragm 20 is exposed to the externalenvironment and the pressure occurring in the ocean depths.

Void 144 is produced when receptacle assembly 10 is coupled to plugassembly 12. Ski-rt portion 87 of shell 88 has a forward end 146 whichabuts against annular rib 136 and prevents the forward end 26 of plugbarrel 22 abutting against partition 98, so as to provide the void 144.

Adjacent forward end 146 of shell 88 is a plurality of ports 148 certainof which communicate with keyways or polarizing slots 92 as well as void14 Ports 143 are in alignment with other ports 15h which are in couplingnut 134.

While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in whatis conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isrecognized that de- Thrust washer 1 th also 6 partures may be madetherefrom within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not tobe limited to the details disclosed herein, but is to be accorded thefull scope of the claims.

We claim:

1. An electrical connector which comprises: a pair of interengageableconnector members with mating contact terminals, one of the membershaving a fluid-filled chamber within which the terminals mate tocomplete an electrical circuit, the fluid-filled chamber being sealed tothe outside when the members are engaged so that the fluid surroundingthe terminals is both physically and electrically isolated from fluidexternal to the chamber, the chamber having movable wall means which isaccessible to surrounding external fluid pressures so that the pressuredifferential may be brought to substantially instantaneous equilibriumwhen the pressure of the external fluid exceeds that of the fluid insaid fluid-filled chamber.

2. An electrical connector according to claim 1 Where in said movablewall means is fabricated of a flexible material.

3. An electrical connector according to claim 1 wherein one of saidmembers embodies a void with a communicating port which is adjacent saidmovable wall means and by which access to said movable Wall means isachieved.

4-. An electrical connector which comprises: a pair of assemblies whichare engageable wit-h each other, one of which is fluid-filled, and eachof which embodies a contact terminal which is mateable with the othercontact terminal to complete an electrical circuit, the terminals whenmated being substantially entirely immersed in said fluid; a flexiblemember in said fluid-filled assembly which contributes to containing thefluid therein; and means in said fluid-filled assembly for exposing saidflexible member to external fluid so that the pressure differential maybe brought to substantially instantaneous equilibrium when the pressureof the external fluid exceeds that of the fluid in said fluid-filledassembly.

5. An electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein said flexiblemember is a diaphragm.

6. An electrical connector according to claim 5 wherein said diaphragmhas an opening therethrough, and the opposing connector assembly has aprojection thereon receivable in said opening, said opening and saidprojection having opposing walls which are engageable in sealedrelationship.

7. An electrical connector according to claim 6 wherein at least one ofsaid walls is deformable and wherein one of said walls is of taperedannular shape and the other is generally cylindrical in shape.

8. An electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein the taperedwall is that of the projection.

9. An electrical connector according to claim 6 wherein one of saidterminals extends axially through and beyond said projection, andwherein the other terminal is disposed within said diaphragm and axiallyaligned with said opening.

10. An electrical connector according to claim 4 wherein said meansincludes a void and ports communicating with said void, the voidencircling a portion of said flexible member.

11. An electrical connector which comprises: a pair of assemblies whichare engageable with each other, one of which is fluid-filled, and eachof which embodies a contact terminal which is mateable with the othercontact terminal to complete an electrical circuit, the terminals whenmated being substantially entirely immersed in said fluid; a flexiblemember in said fluid-filled assembly which contributes to containing thefluid therein; means in said fluid-filled assembly for exposing saidflexible member to external fluid so that the pressure diflerential maybe brought to substantially instantaneous equilibrium when the pressureof the external fluid exceeds that of the fluid in said one assembly;and sealing means in i said fluid-filled assembly for sealing saidfluid-filled assembly to thereby in combination with said flexiblemember physically and electrically isolate the fluid within saidfluid-filled assembly.

12. An electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein said sealingmeans includes a compressively loaded elastomer member which is in firmengagement with said flexible member to assist in holding said flexiblemember in an operable position.

13. An electrical connector which comprises: a pair of assemblies whichare engageable with each other, one of which is fluid-filled, and eachof which embodies a contact terminal which is mateable with the othercontact terminal to complete an electrical circuit, the terminals whenmated being substantially entirely immersed in said fluid; a flexiblemember in said fluid-filled assembly which contributes to containing thefluid therein; means in said fluid-filled assembly for exposing saidflexible member to external fluid so that the pressure diflerent-ial maybe brought to substanitally instantaneous equilibrium when the pressureof the external fluid exceeds that of the fluid in said fluid-filledassembly; and stabilizing means in said fluid-filled assembly which isin firm contacting engagement with said flexible member and contributesto stabilizing said flexible member in an operable position.

14. An electrical connector which comprises: a plug assembly engageablewith a receptacle assembly, one of said assemblies being filled withwater; a contact terminal in said plug assembly which is mateable with acontact terminal in the receptacle assembly to complete an electricalcircuit, the contact terminals when mated being substantially entirelyimmersed in said water, a stabilized flexible diaphragm in thewater-filled assembly which contributes to containing the water therein;and ports in said water-filled assembly for exposing said flexiblediaphragm to external water so that the pressure differential may bebrought to substantially instantaneous equilibrium when the pressure ofthe external water exceeds that of the water in said water-filledassembly.

15. An electrical connector according to claim 14, wherein said flexiblediaphragm embodies a cylindrical cup shape with the open end portionthereof being firmly fastened in said Water-filled assembly so as tomaintain said flexible diaphragm in an operable position.

16. An electrical connector according to claim 14, wherein said flexiblediaphragm is cylindrical and cup shaped in form with there being arelatively thick-walled bottom and a relatively thin-Walled skirt, theskirt being exposed to the external water.

17. An electrical connector according to claim 14, wherein said flexiblediaphragm is stabilized with a spacer mounted in said water-filledassembly and in firm engagement with said flexible diaphragm to preventthe collapse of said diaphragm.

18. An electrical connector which comprises: a waterfilled plug assemblyengageable with a receptacle assembly; a socket contact terminal in saidplug assembly which is mateable with a pin contact terminal in thereceptacle assembly to complete an electrical circuit, the contactterminals when mated being substantially entirely immersed in saidwater; a cylindrical cup-shaped socket insulating diaphragm in said plugassembly which contributes to containing the water therein; saiddiaphragm including a relatively thick-walled bottom and a relativelythin-walled skirt; and ports in said plug assembly, and a void aboutsaid skirt in communication with said ports for exposing the skirt ofsaid flexible diaphragm to external water so that the pressuredifferential may be brought to substantially instantaneous equilibriumwhen the pressure of the external water exceeds that of the water insaid plug assembly.

19. An electrical connector according to claim 18 wherein said plugassembly includes a diaphragm stabilizing spacer mounted therein, whichis in firm engagement with said diaphragm so as to maintain saidflexible diaphragm in an operable position.

20. An electrical connector which comprises: a waterfilled plug assemblyengageable with a receptacle assembly; a socket contact terminal in saidplug assembly which is mateable with a pin contact terminal in thereceptacle assembly to complete an electrical circuit; the contactterminals when mated being substantially entirely immersed in saidwater, said plug assembly comprising a substantially cylindrical barrelhaving a forward and a rear end, and ports intermediate said ends; acylindrical, cupshaped socket insulating diaphragm including arelatively thick-walled bottom proximate the forward end of said barrel,and a relatively thin-walled skirt which extends rearwardly in saidbarrel, said skirt being spaced from said barrel to provide acircumscribing void thereabout which is in communication with said portsfor exposing said skirt to external water so that the pressuredifferential may be brought to substantially instantaneous equilibriumwhen the pressure of the external Water exceeds that of the water insaid plug assembly; means in the rear end of said barrel for sealing andrendering the rear end thereof voidless, said socket insulatingdiaphragm having the open end portion thereof disposed between saidmeans and the wall or" said barrel whereby said means contributes toclamping said socket insulating diaphragm in position to providestability for said diaphragm; and a cylindrical spacer disposed withinsaid socket insulating diaphragm, one end of which seats against saidmeans and one end of which seats against said bottom to contribute tothe stability of said diaphragm.

21. An electrical connector according to claim 20 wherein said spacerincludes a web having an axial opening therein, and said socket contactterminal includes a bearing plate which seats in a recess in saidspacer, the open end of said socket contact being received in said axialopening to thereby centrally position and stabilize said socket contactterminal in said plug assembly.

22. An electrical connector according to claim 20 wherein said meansincludes an elastomer grommet which seats against said spacer and whichhas compressive force applied thereto to cause the firm frictionalengagement of the grommet with the barrel.

23. An electrical connector according to claim 20 wherein said socketinsulating diaphragm is fabricated of a non-wetting material and saiddiaphragm bottom has an opening therein, and said receptacle assemblyincludes a projection receivable in said opening, the projection wipingthe surface of said opening free of water and displacing such water asis disposed therein to provide a low order pressurization of the watercontained in said plug assembly.

References @ited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,782,249 'Martin Feb. 19, 1957 2,886,626 Burnett et al May 12, 19592,903,500 Newell et a1. Sept. 8, 1959

4. AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WHICH COMPRISES: A PAIR OF ASSEMBLIES WHICHARE ENGAGEABLE WITH EACH OTHER, ONE OF WHICH IS FLUID-FILLED, AND EACHOF WHICH EMBODIES A CONTACT TERMINAL WHICH IS MATEABLE WITH THE OTHERCONTACT TERMINAL TO COMPLETE AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT, THE TERMINALS WHENMATED BEING SUBSTANTIALLY ENTIRELY IMMERSED IN SAID FLUID; A FLEXIBLEMEMBER IN SAID FLUID FILLED ASSEMBLY WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO CONTAINING THEFLUID THEREIN; AND MEANS IN SAID FLUID-FILLED ASSEMBLY FOR EXPOSING SAIDFLEXIBLE MEMBER TO EXTERNAL FLUID SO THAT THE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL MAYBE BROUGHT TO SUBSTANTIALLY INSTANTANEOUS EQUILIBRIUM WHEN THE PRESSUREOF THE EXTERNAL FLUID EXCEEDS THAT OF THE FLUID IN SAID FLUID-FILLEDASSEMBLY.